Document Type : Original Article

Authors

• Kirti Nirmal ¹
• Krishna Sarkar ¹
• Deeksha Chaudhary ¹
• Shukla Das ²

¹ Department of Microbiology, University College Of Medical Sciences & GTB Hospital Delhi

² Department of Microbiology University College of Medical Sciences and GTB Hospital Delhi

Abstract

Background: ESKAPE pathogens pose a significant threat in healthcare due to their growing antibiotic resistance.
Objective: This study, conducted in a tertiary care teaching hospital, studied the prevalence and antibiotic susceptibility trends of these pathogens in various intensive care units (ICUs).
Methods: Descriptive cross-sectional study conducted in various ICUs from January to December 2022. Blood samples from 742 patients were analyzed for ESKAPE pathogens. Antibiotic susceptibility testing was performed using the Kirby–Bauer method.
Results: Among 742 ESKAPE pathogens analyzed, Acinetobacter baumannii was the most prevalent, followed by Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. Notably, their distribution varied across ICUs, with the Neonatal ICU having the highest isolates (70%).
Conclusion: The study showed concerning antibiotic resistance patterns. This emphasizes the urgent need for stringent antibiotic stewardship and alternative treatment strategies to combat these highly resistant pathogens effectively. Continuous monitoring of resistance patterns is vital to inform treatment and preserve antibiotic efficacy in ICU settings.

Keywords

• ESKAPE pathogens
• Antibiotic resistance
• Intensive care units
• Bloodstream Infections
• Surveillance